An online journal of Mannie Gentile, a National Park Service Park Ranger working on the National Mall in our nation's capital.
DISCLAIMER: please note that this blog represents only my views and not those of the National Park Service.
Feel free to email me at: museumofamerica@myactv.net

Monday, September 24, 2012

Whew!

Yesterday, the 150th observance of the Battle of Antietam ended with our weekend observance of the issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

The entire week was a spectacular success. The weather was ideal and the visitation was astronomical. The numbers are still being crunched, but my on-the-ground estimate is between 40-60,000 visitors.

The high points for me were the two weeks just prior as I prepared my small contributions to the effort. As the tempo increased so too did the anticipation. Everybody pulled together as we all realized that we'd only have one chance to get it right. The second, and best, of those two high points found me and eight of my friends and colleagues in the Cornfield at 6:30 a.m. in the fog and smoke from distant batteries and musketry as we read, to and audience of 600 early-risers, quotes from men who had participated in the Cornfield fight. It was very evocative and I will remember it as one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done in my career as an educator.

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I'm a Park Ranger on the National Mall in Washington DC. I'm very proud and fortunate to be working at such a significant place and to be sharing this magnificent resource with visitors from around the world.

About Mannie

I'm fortunate to have married the love of my life. In that, I am a very lucky fellow. Otherwise I live in Washington County in western Maryland in a little house on the shoulder of South Mountain.
Other stuff from me here: http://manniesartimitateslife.blogspot.com/